2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area in Maryland provides the closest horse-friendly camping option to Kimberton, Pennsylvania. While the campground does not offer dedicated horse corrals, it maintains direct trail access to equestrian paths. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with electric hookups and water connections available for campers. Bathroom facilities and trash disposal are provided, along with picnic tables at each site. Drinking water is accessible throughout the grounds. The campground operates year-round and maintains a 4.5-star rating among visitors. Trail riders frequently note the well-maintained paths and natural surroundings.
Located approximately 30 miles from Kimberton, the park features extensive bridle trails through varied terrain. Horse owners should bring their own containment systems as the campground requires proper securing of horses overnight. Water access points for horses exist along the trail system. The park enforces a no-pets policy which applies to companion animals but not equines. Reservations are required for all campsites, with specific areas designated for those camping with horses. Manure disposal guidelines must be strictly followed. Trailer parking is available adjacent to the equestrian campsites, providing convenient access to both the camping area and trailheads. The natural resources management focus creates an ideal environment for experiencing Pennsylvania's countryside on horseback.
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
from $15 - $50 / night
"There are some equestrian and tent sites as well. Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking."
"I took her older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore."
Available this weekend
from $27 - $45 / night
"We were kindly escorted to our site (a nice refreshing change from having to wander around to find the sites ourselves), which was the one farthest away from the entrance."
"Close by to a couple of nice state parks. Cute sheep and goats that wander about during the day! Sweet little spot, we'll definitely be back!"
"Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
ScoutFirst time at this campground really like it a lot will be returning. The bathrooms are always clean. The grounds are always kept up. Just a really nice place to stay. Most of the sites have some kind of shade.
LegendWe spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
ScoutThis is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
TravelerThis is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
TravelerHarder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept
French Creek State Park Campground offers the nearest tent and RV camping option to Kimberton, Pennsylvania, located approximately 12 miles southwest. The 7,526-acre park spans Chester and Berks Counties, providing wooded sites with paved level areas throughout multiple camping loops. Campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings with sites separated by natural vegetation. The park maintains strict quiet hours to ensure a peaceful woodland experience.
Lakeside activities: Both Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake at French Creek State Park Campground provide fishing opportunities for northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, and panfish. "We went for a small hike around the lake - we were toting three kids, one of which was in a stroller. I was able to fit 5 diapers, a large bottle of suntan lotion, a pack of wipes, snack container, travel changing pad," notes Jen R.
Trail exploration: Hibernia County Park maintains several hiking paths for various skill levels. "Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," reports Chelsea. The park features trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes through wooded terrain, making it suitable for both casual strolls and dedicated hikers.
Water recreation: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy non-motorized boating on the largest freshwater pond in Delaware. "Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)," writes Matt S. The park allows electric motors only on the pond, with rental boats available during peak season.
Spacious sites: Mountainview Campground provides room to spread out. "The campsites are spacious and the facilities are clean. Short drive to the Delaware River for tubing," says Emily. Many sites offer substantial distance between neighbors with natural screening.
Clean facilities: Starlite Camping Resort maintains exceptional bathroom cleanliness. "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen," notes Elizabeth L. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to running water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary significantly.
Natural setting: Hibernia County Park offers a rustic camping experience with minimal development. "Fantastic weekend with family. Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected," shares Chelsea. The heavily wooded environment creates a sense of seclusion despite proximity to developed areas.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Kimberton require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. For Starlite Camping Resort, a camper notes: "The employees in the camp store are amazing and go out of their way to make you feel welcome! I felt everyone went above and beyond to help me from the reservation process through check-in."
Hookup variations: Facilities range from primitive sites to full-service options. French Creek State Park offers loops with different amenities. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers," reports Jen R.
Terrain considerations: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven ground. At Mountainview Campground, "The ground is moderately rocky, so there may be some slight troubles getting tent stakes in the ground," advises Christina H.
Playground access: Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area provides group camping facilities with nearby play areas. "Clean family friendly environment with tons of extra curricular activities for all," mentions Heather P. The management area maintains youth group camping areas with specific guidelines.
Swimming options: French Creek State Park includes a swimming pool during summer months. "We were there in October, so the pool was closed, but it looked nice. We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely!" shares Katie M.
Budget-friendly camping: Hibernia County Park offers affordable sites for families. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under," explains John Z.
Level sites: Starlite Camping Resort accommodates larger rigs with prepared sites. "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover!" notes Craig F.
Access limitations: Not all equestrian campgrounds near Kimberton can accommodate larger rigs. Mountainview Campground has specific considerations: "The drive to our site had some inclines and was relatively rocky and some vehicles would surely struggle," cautions Christina H.
Hookup availability: Lums Pond State Park provides full hookup options. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56)," states Matt S. Most sites include concrete pads that help with leveling larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Kimberton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Kimberton, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 84 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Kimberton, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Kimberton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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